Riverside Valley Park

Stroll through buttercup-filled meadows alongside the winding River Exe with wonderful views across the city to its cathedral.

Location

One mile down river of Exeter Quay (between River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal).

Know before you go

Size

40 hectares

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

Car park close to Double Locks pub

Grazing animals

Yes, April to October

Access

Easy access cycle/walking paths, plus other informal paths which can be uneven and muddy.

Dogs

Under effective control

When to visit

Opening times

Always

Best time to visit

Any time

About the reserve

Riverside is one of six Exeter Valley Parks managed by Devon Wildlife Trust.

Its 40 hectares sit between Clapperbrook Lane and Bridge Road. This is an easy Valley Park to visit: it is close to the city centre and just a short walk from the historic Quayside. It offers river views, excellent walking and cycling paths and flood plain meadows giving way to the wilder estuary.

Northbrook Approach – a chance to share your views on this special place

Northbrook Approach is an important greenspace which connects Ludwell and Riverside Valley Parks. The former golf-course is a crucial corridor for wildlife and for people, following the Northbrook stream and the Green Circle walk.

Exeter City Council (which owns and manages the site) and DWT are now jointly consulting on the future of this greenspace. We have set out a vision for a ‘wild arboretum’ and community space. For more information and to take part in this consultation click this link before the end of April:

NOTICE: If you are visiting our reserves, please note that there have been instances of H5N1 Avian bird flu found in birds in Devon. There is very low risk to public health but we do ask that if you come across any unusual or unexplained bird deaths on or near our reserves please do not touch them. Call Defra on 03459 33 55 77 and report your findings. Please also report your findings to DWT by email at contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org